Travels and thoughts

Mark Twain once penned down that, "'Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together. One of our most cherished memory of India visits is from Lucknow. Our dear friends Alka and Avdhesh from Abu Dhabi days reside in the city of Nawabs. We never miss a chance to visit them during our frequent India trips to indulge in their hospitality. Having settled down over 15 years ago, they are avid travelers of India and have seen the length and breadth of their state. Set for the road trip... Buddy is unhappy though This time, we planned to drive down to Benaras or Varanasi – a 320 km drive from Lucknow. It was our third trip to Varanasi since 2016 – it seems a divine calling as some visit the city once in a lifetime.   Crowds and Reflections Road trips with them are always fascinating, taking us through the rural roads of India, watching the rural scenery of vast paddy fields, brick kilns sending up solitary...

It was another lazy afternoon at our Dubai home. Flipping through the various Insta posts, I remarked that our friends seem to be having the time of their lives going by social media inputs.   My husband is not prominent ly active on social media platforms except occasionally posting a holiday album. With an exasperated sigh, he looked up from his newspaper and twiddled on his phone, and said that he had a surprise for me. He warned me to be ready at 130 pm Dubai time quizzically. He did mention it was an outdoor activity but did not elaborate further. Quickly getting through my chores, I was ready with my backpack stuffed with a few snacks and water. I also wore a chic linen shirt and cotton leggings. I noticed that he was attired in his dry-fit T-shirt and track bottom. When asked, he remarked quizzically that it might be a bit hot for outdoor activity and better to wear something that might ward off the water if splashed. Typically, both tend to ignore much of what is said ...

 My daughter Shruthi visited home after two years. It was a moment of great excitement for all of us in the family. This time she had an extensive travel plan to visit cities across India. She planned to visit her grandmother, attend two weddings, trekking in Bangalore, spend time with Vikrants family in Kolkotta, and her home in Dubai. Imagine my surprise when she announced one of her close friends, Darcy, would be joining her for half of her trip. My instant thought was how would be managed so many places. While she and Darcy were in discussion, New Delhi was added to the list. With her usual aplomb, Shruthi announced Mom, you are accompanying us to Delhi for a day. To my surprise, Vikrant also decided to join us in Delhi. I was excited at the prospect. Growing up in Delhi during my formative years, I love the city and never miss a chance to visit Delhi. Delhi, the capital city, is famous for its food, shopping, and monuments. Qutab Minar is one of the most famous monuments of De...

I had not sought adventure during Bangalore visits. Almost all my trips ended up in the usual suspects of Commercial Street, Brigade Road, or the new, upbeat shopping malls that have sprung up in the city. Of late, however, we have started trekking on every single holiday - some challenging and some moderate. I found this soothing, calming, and an excellent way of getting to know a place. The habit of trekking was introduced by our kids - one continuously learns from youngsters, and their enthusiasm is infectious. Once we begin looking beyond city lights and exploring nature trails, it transports us to wondrous places, literally and figuratively.   Mountain ranges around Bangalore. Bangalore has the luxury of numerous nature trails within driving distance. Plenty of hills and hillocks, old abandoned railways stations amidst thick, green vegetation, rivers and streams, temples with astounding stone carvings, forts and fortresses, waterfalls, small villages - all of which was hither...